Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly endorsed Brazilian presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro following the first round of Brazil’s elections. Bolsonaro finished ahead of incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, but his results were not enough to win outright. Brazil’s next president will be decided in a runoff on October 25.
Netanyahu Congratulates Bolsonaro
On Monday, Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the results of Brazil’s presidential vote, wishing Flávio Bolsonaro success in the decisive second round of the election.
The Israeli prime minister also expressed anticipation for the renewal of the “exceptional friendship” between Israel and Brazil. His statement, posted on the social platform X, amounts to open support for the Brazilian candidate ahead of the runoff.
This is not Netanyahu’s first show of support for Flávio Bolsonaro. At the official launch of Bolsonaro’s campaign in July, a video message from the Israeli leader was aired, in which he offered his backing to Bolsonaro.
Bolsonaro Leads Lula, But Decision Goes to a Runoff
After the first round, Flávio Bolsonaro leads Lula. With over 98 percent of votes counted, Bolsonaro received about 47.3 percent, while Lula garnered close to 44.9 percent.
As neither candidate achieved a required majority, Brazilians will choose their president in the runoff on October 25.
The first-round results differed from some pre-election expectations. Polls had pointed to a close race, and some even gave Lula a slight edge. Nevertheless, the first-round outcome does not determine the result of the next vote.
Flávio Bolsonaro Continues His Family’s Political Legacy
Flávio Bolsonaro is the son of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro. His presidential campaign represents a continuation of the Bolsonaro family’s political influence in Brazil.
Jair Bolsonaro held the presidency from 2019 to 2022. After losing the 2022 election, he faced criminal charges related to attempts to overturn the election results and was subsequently convicted.
Other family members are also participating in the current elections. According to reports, Jair Bolsonaro Jr. and Carlos Bolsonaro have secured political office, and Jair Renan Bolsonaro was elected to the Chamber of Deputies.
Similar political dynamics have accompanied the Bolsonaro family in the past. Aktualizovane.sk previously reported on Jair Bolsonaro’s meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest, where the two discussed migration, Christianity, and family policy. The report on Orbán and Jair Bolsonaro’s meeting is available on Aktualizovane.sk.
Israel Is a Central Issue for Bolsonaro
Relations with Israel are a policy area in which Flávio Bolsonaro stands out more than his rival, Lula.
During his campaign, Bolsonaro promised to strengthen ties with Israel. According to available information, during a January visit to Israel, he spoke about moving Brazil’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem if elected. Such a move would follow the policy of his father, who also promoted closer relations with Israel during his presidency.
Lula, by contrast, holds a significantly different stance toward the Israeli government. His administration has had open diplomatic disputes with Israel, particularly regarding the war in Gaza. The candidates’ differing foreign policy positions are set to be a prominent issue heading into the runoff.
Aktualizovane.sk has a dedicated section on Israel and the policies of Benjamin Netanyahu, offering further news from the region. See the latest updates on Israel.
Bolsonaro Supported by Other International Politicians
During his campaign, Flávio Bolsonaro has also cultivated contacts with other prominent foreign politicians. He is publicly associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentina’s President Javier Milei.
However, following the first round, according to TASR, Trump has not publicly endorsed Bolsonaro, though he is reportedly following the Brazilian election closely.
Bolsonaro is also working to continue his father’s international relationships, which included ties with Central European leaders.
Previously, Jair Bolsonaro visited Budapest, where he met with Viktor Orbán to discuss migration, defense, and other forms of cooperation. Aktualizovane.sk provided further details at the time.
Runoff Will Decide Brazil’s Next President
The first round has set the stage for a head-to-head contest between Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula da Silva, but the final decision rests with voters in the runoff.
The campaign leading up to October 25 will be especially important for both candidates, as they seek to win over those who supported other contenders in the first round. Both Bolsonaro and Lula will need to expand their support beyond their current bases.
According to available results, Bolsonaro obtained roughly 47 percent of votes in the first round, with Lula at approximately 45 percent. This narrow margin means the final outcome remains open as Brazil prepares to select its next leader from January 2027.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
